EPIC NIKON 35mm f/1.2 S IS HERE | NIKKOR Rendering Beautiful, Bright, Fast | FIRST LOOK | Matt Irwin

[@2Bad.]

As usual to your incredibly high standard... well done Matt. 🍻

[@leokretzers8883]

Dear Matt, what to add.. the reviews are on par. The lens is clearly outstanding but in the hands of a true artist like you the images and video are ART! It’s when you feel and get emotional, be it photography, film, paintings, music etc., that you know it’s truly adding beauty to this sometimes crazy world we live in. Big thank you, Matt!!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks so much Leo. It is the feeling which drives me to create. I am glad you felt it :)

[@joeclaymore]

So good to see you Matt. The production quality of your reviews is simply amazing and this lens is awesome. Looking forward to more detailed reviews. Thanks for all you do for our community.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the support and that means a lot to me. Cheers Matt

[@marcusgrandon3640]

You know you've made it when you get pre-release copies! Sweet video, sweet lens!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks for the kind words. :)

[@RVarrun]

Superb video. Very well put together. A treat to watch night photography

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks Varrun, one of my favourite times to photograph

[@kolmanrosenberg8899]

I wish I could say I needed it, it's an incredible lens! Your video opening was beautiful and a perfect way to show off what this lens can do!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers

[@GarryM66]

Stunning images Matt 😍 I’ve been waiting for this lens for what seems like an eternity and can’t wait to add this to my collection. I think this will be a very good addition to my event photography projects 😀

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Yes I think stunning for event :)

[@corniste]

Dear Matt, I spent 3249€ after your video and some others this morning. This lens is absolutely unique. I'm mostly doing shootings in classical concerts and videos, mostly applications for music competitions and chamber music productions. As I've to shoot indoors at 1/100s for the 4k/50p productions, this will be a great help. I've also the 85mm 1.2 and my customers - even non specialists - are really making the difference between that one and the 70-200 mm 2.8. As you said, if you want to be special nowadays, it is about the only way. Even cheap gears are bringing everything in focus.

[@amritgurung1473]

I am finally happy to be back to Nikon. I started and learned photography through Nikon and I am proud fan of NIkon. Nikon go on even more and more....

[@manydan1209]

Your video production is top notch

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers

[@derekclark7545]

Probably the best video you have ever knocked out, personally I feel this lens has shown your natural photographic skills to their best. Brilliant.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers Derek, thank you so much.

[@mozzman]

I could sense there was good news somewhere in the world. Looking forward to seeing what you’ve done with it.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

I've been waiting for this one too, cheers Moz :)

[@felm.974]

YES! Finally! Thanks Matt, great work here as always! Let's go #Nikon!

[@MarkTisdelJr]

This one. This is the lens I’ve been wanting since I got my z8

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

O M G Be still my beating heart! Great work, Matt!

[@Jbandes]

Fantastic. I knew they would release it. I have the 50 and the 85 and the plena I have been waiting on this one. When the 1.4 came out I feared it might not be released but several people said it was still coming. So glad it's now a reality.

[@senaritradutta]

Man you have lot of money 😮

[@borisgalos6967]

@@senaritradutta Or, HAD a lot...

[@Jbandes]

@senaritradutta bought them over time not all at once. Lol. I love Nikon

[@senaritradutta]

@@Jbandes haha just kidding :)

[@simonbroke-smith7783]

Wow! Thanks Matt for all your great vids! 🤘😎📷🔥👍

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Pleasure and thanks for being here !!!

[@borisgalos6967]

btw, Matt, this is the best video out of many on the new 35/1.2 S lens both in presentation and in sample images and video clips.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers Boris, I really appreciate your comment. :)

[@Illuminationsfromtheattic]

I was already excited for this lens. After watching this video I know for sure I need it. The depth and quality of the images you've here captured is staggering.

[@Digmen1]

Matt, you have a really good script writer! - Love your work

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers :). No script, I sit down and start talking after spending time really pushing the gear. Feels like the best way to speak from experience and from the heart :)

[@bmwohl]

Matt, I hope you carefully compare the Nikkor Z 35mm S lenses f/1.2 vs f/1.8 at various apertures. For me as an avid amateur, I've collected the f/1.8 Z lenses from 20mm to 135mm. I don't see a an f/1.2 in my future since it takes a couple thousand dollars to get an extra f stop, but I'd like to see you show me what I'm giving up. Your night images are wonderful and inspiring.

[@kennygeorgeonline]

We have the same thoughts! I don't have the 50 or 20 yet, but have the 35, 85 and 135 1.8's.

[@selectiveimagery]

Matt, Great job as always, wonderful video introduction. Glad you had it long enough to really dive into what the lens can do and its capabilities. I'm sure you can't wait to get your hands on one and it is perfect for the type of work you do. Take care - Jeff

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers Jeff, yes I really enjoy capturing with it, and it certainly does suit my style of image making. Can't wait to continue the journey. Cheers Matt

[@michaelwplant]

I do not want one of these as the size of it is massive, however I am so happy that Nikon has made this lens as it shows what can be done at one of my favourite focal lengths. For me as a Documentary photographer 35mm is my go to lens, I do not need to get to close to my subject, and yet I can get enough of the world in while it still looks natural. I also love the use of DxO's PhotoLab in this video. Great Video Matt.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks Michael, fab lens to shoot with, and I really enjoy the power and control of detail from Photolab. It is great software, I look forward to their profile of this lens. More to come on that :)

[@odonkers]

What an epic video ! Absolutely stunning images (and production) thank you !

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Many thanks Otto, my pleasure!

[@Gettyphotographer]

It's about time we waited too long for this lens, but it was well worth the wait. Great lens and video, as usual, from Matt.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers Gettyphotographer. It's a joy to use on the extremes.

[@AndrejMeuer]

A new holy quadruplicity. 35, 50, 85, 135mm

[@batsta3d]

Mate this video is the best! Nikon you really should consider asking Matt to be an official ambassador for your brand.

[@Chris-13]

Amazing video Matt👌👌👌

[@frankartale1026]

Video looks insane ! Great color. Lens is beautiful. Awesome work.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks Frank, it is a real pleasure using this gear, the Z6III Z8, Z9 etc, are so mature and well rounded, and then throw an optic like this on it, and it feels like anything is possible. Very exciting times.

[@josephsworkshop75]

Really exciting announcement. Great images Matt. Looks like an amazing Lence… With so many top Nick on lenses these days it’s hard to know what to leave out of the camera bag. I’m really looking forward to having this one in hand. Great video Matt, Keep it up.

[@AsbjrnKyhlPaulsen]

Wow Matt, amazing job with your short film for introducing the lens.

[@johnkiefer1314]

Great video Matt. Always like your take on Nikon kit. No surprises here regarding it as a low light portrait lens. Perfect. Please review its render as a landscape lens and for Astro. I’m especially interested in night sky coma at open apertures to f/2. And its performance for textures at mfd, including corner performance at a range of apertures.

[@KNZ5]

The quality of your videos are stunning!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks so much! :)

[@juliopuello3248]

Thank you Matt for sharing this excellent video

[@rumporridge1]

Utterly superb video!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers! My pleasure.

[@stjepanjina]

Matt excellent production! Nikon😍

[@Gr1ff1D0]

Your videos are the best introduction to all of the equipment you have showcased on this channel. This one however, is the best video introducing any lens I have ver seen. You have set the bar so high I cannot see how anyone could ask for more. Super work Matt. On the beautiful Nikkor 35 F 1.2S, it is amazing looking lens and so is the price. The images it produces are magnificent. I am absolutely certain it is worth all of the money they are asking for it. I would love one but my wallet has very clearly told me that if I want a fast 35mm I can definitely afford the 1.4 but sadly not the 1.2.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks Gr1ff1D0, that means a lot. I love my craft of still and moving images, and this lens really inspired me to push as hard as I could to show what it was capable of. The 1.4 is also a great option :)

[@biwageezer]

Ordered! Fantastic video, Matt!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Please let us all know what you think when it arrives. Cheers Matt

[@ronscarbel5062]

Matt, thank you as always for your excellent video covering what appears to be another fantastic S line lens from Nikon. I was extremely excited to see the announcement and placed my pre-order right away. This will be a great addtion to my kit, especially for environmental portraits. Looking forward to more coverage from you.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks, it really is a fantastic lens, and I know you'll enjoy it Ron. Please write back and lets us all know what you think. Cheers Matt

[@izziereal2010]

This 35mm f1.2 is amazing. Well done Nikon. I would love Nikon to release a successor of the 105mm f1.4 E for the Z mount. That would be a beautiful portrait lens.

[@geraldhewes]

And a 200mm f/2

[@lekkerpruven887]

To be honest the 105 is still very very good. It's my favorite portrait lens. I have the 85/1.8 the 70-200. Had the 200/2 for a while. Had the Canon 135/2 also very very beautiful, but just to long distance mostly, especially indoors. The 85/1.2 would probably be the most versatile, but just to expensive compared to the very very excellent 105.

[@PhilipRanson-d5t]

At last,thanks for letting me know.The perfect finish to a beautiful day.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Total pleasure

[@PhilipRanson-d5t]

Gorgeous bokeh and three dimensional pop,absolutely stunning.Love your show Matt,what gorgeous imagery,thankyou

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Truly a joyful lens to create with.

[@AlainCh2.]

Thank you for these beautiful pics!! This lens is quite interesting for doing a lot of things, even not using 1.2 😀 Thanks for the video and your enthusiasm!!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

My pleasure!

[@chrishilton6378]

Finally! So excited! Thanks Matt!

[@dominiclester3232]

Great video Matt, thank you 🥳🥳🥳 We’ve waited a while for this, so it is bound to be exceptional. Please include some Astro shots in your next video with it. Exciting times. I’m trilled Nikon have entrusted you with their latest offering early; clearly they have noted your skills now!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers Dominic. Yes, perhaps I will be lucky enough to see another aurora :)

[@gbye007]

Fantastic review Matt. Love the shots, and they demonstrate how good the bokeh is. I think this lens is well suited to your photographic style too.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers Geoff, yes I agree, the lens renders wonderfully, and was it the 35 1.8 we purchased together, or the 85? Do you think you will get one of these?

[@gbye007]

@@MattIrwinPhotography Yeah, we did a deal on two 85s way back (2019?) 😀. I think $4899 is really getting into pro territory - that's you.

[@leod1671]

First, congratulations on getting your hands on the coveted 35mm 1.2. I am really impressed with your results of your initial review. Looking for more.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

More is coming, it's been a joy to use! Thanks LEO!

[@SpaklesDr]

Every time Nikon brings out a new banger of a lens...it reminds me I need to pick up a 20mm 1.8...

[@nathanielcashjr.732]

Yes, buying it. Main use for large motorcycle events. Lot of photos in bars and at beach house parties after dark.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Sounds awesome, please let us all know what you think :)

[@tyd7871]

Hi Matt, could you please test if Z 14-24’s HB-97 lens hood (or any lens below) can be put on 35 1.2S? I know it can be put onto Z 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8, 50 1.2, 14-30 and Plena. It is a very smart design to use 112mm filters on those lenses but almost no one mentions this. Many thanks.

[@johnbragg6980]

Fabulous video as always, thanks Matt. Your videography and photography is inspirational. I recently switched to the Z system, and held off getting one of the current 35mm primes because I was waiting for this lens to come along. I am so pleased to see that it’s in the same league (or better) than the other f/1.2 Z lenses. I can’t wait to partner it with my 85mm f/1.2 🙂

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks John, the 85 and 35 are a cracker combo :) Please write back and tell us all what you think of the the 35mm 1.2 and the 85 :)

[@AbelinVegas]

Low light images are superb!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers

[@belnor]

Amazing I can't wait!

[@operatus1]

Looks like a nice lens, but the 85 1.2 is still on my wish list.

[@michaelvanwell4689]

Great Video, stunning images and good examples to show the possibilities with this lens. But ~3k bucks is a pain... Need to feed a big pig to collect enough for that lens.😊

[@mikkosuhonenphotography]

Wow! Great lens and video

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Gotta say, a joy to create with. :) 📷

[@mikelyon5595]

Incredible color science!

[@whoalse]

Wow, the images are gorgeous.....!! And what a beast of a lens at over 1kg! I think it''s heavier than 24-70G which is a workhorse on my trusty D3!

[@borisgalos6967]

The Nikkor Z 85/1.2 S-Line has barely come off my Z 9 since I bought it. In a half century of shooting nothing has matched it. This lens might have. The quality of the rendering is just breathtaking.

[@GaryKFroehlich-jh5mm]

Same for me. But luckily I have a second Z9!

[@igzordium00]

105mm f1.2 next please, Nikon. For sure its gonna be big and girthy but i don't mind it at all

[@michael007ish]

Hallelujah 🥰

[@mrdarryljones1]

I’m waiting for Nikon to get the part for my broken 35 mm 1.8 Lens from Japan. And now this $3000 beauty releases today! Decisions. 😂

[@EugeneMaynard]

👍🏾🙏🏾 Time to buy my third Z1.2!🥳 I shall use it for everything!😎

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

It is a beauty for sure

[@Illuminationsfromtheattic]

In answer to the question at the end of the video, I have a lot of uses for this lens. - Astrophotography is certainly a key reason I want it, specifically timelapse astrophotography. F1.2 will allow me to capture starlapses that don't require such a long time to record, and at 35mm I'll be able to have foreground subjects more prominently featured than with an ultra wide lens. Also, this will be an amazing lens for filming the aurora when it next makes an appearance! - I'm looking forward to shooting natural landscapes using f1.2 to focus on a subject while retaining the wider scene. - I expect to get good use out of it for product photography, as the wide focal lengh and fast aperture will be extremely useful in certain scenarios.

[@devilangel4655]

Nice the roadmap is filled up. 35mm is not mine focal length, but the 28mm love to see that one in the future.

[@johnforbes4795]

Hi Matt. What struck me about this video is that the scenes were similar to others that I've seen you capture with skill, but the rendering of shots in this video, to me, borders on magical. It's sharp, but gentle, the out of focus rendering is wonderful. My use case generally centers around movement and zooms are most often found on my Z8 and Z9. But, this lens has me intrigued. When I used to shoot with a Nikon D850, I was one of the seemingly few to own the Sigma 40mm f1.4 DG HSM Art lens which captured beautiful images at a similar focal length. To me, the rendering you've shown with the Nikon Z 35mm f1.2 S reminds me of the Zeiss Milvus 100m f2 Macro lens that I owned at that time. Yes, it was great for Macro, but the portraits and landscapes with that lens had a special rendering unlike my other lenses. I look forward to your upcoming video on your analysis of this lens.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks so much John, and thanks for sharing those previous lenses. Yes I agree, there is a certain 'something' with this lens, which makes it a step apart from many other options. Currently the pre-production lens is back with Nikon, hopefully I will see that one, or the one I purchased ASAP :) Much more to come!!

[@sekharvisuals9607]

Thats a great news ❤❤❤

[@zenphotocraftmedia8326]

First ever 35mm f1.2 natvie nikon 35mm lens auto focus . And it's very exciting. And it's be awesome and very competitive.

[@zenphotocraftmedia8326]

I love to see what's happening next I'm line up to the nikon natvie lens . I hopefully 🙏 nikon 16mm 1.2 and 24mm f1.2 or a zoom f1.8 24mm to 50mm for cinema line up

[@Joseph-iu6ip]

I was just thinking today that the next Matt Irwin video was going to be the 35mm. I love being right 😊

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great work Jospeh !!! :)

[@Joseph-iu6ip]

@@MattIrwinPhotographyI know, sometimes I amaze myself. You do some good stuff too. LOL

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers

[@schmel.photography]

Finally here, Matt, I ordered it today for €3,249 including taxes, delivery should begin tomorrow. Let's see.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Congratulations I look forward to hearing what you think !!!

[@johnhjic2]

Hallo Matt, This is one for me, just have to find some pennies. Way back in my film day 1970's I love the Nikon 35mm f*.* for street photography as a student I did quit bit of street photography. This look like a great lens.

[@acronymphotography]

The wait is over.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Hooray !!!!

[@donocelotl]

I just want it. That is all.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Good call.

[@mca8690]

Fantastic video, thank you! Loved the song starting at 1:43 in particular (Dawn by Nicolas Guerrero, From Love album)

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Yes beautiful track. Thank you

[@davidroberts6766]

This is the one prime I have been drooling over and waiting for release….now the savings have to begin!

[@Davidriethmiller]

Hey Matt, what is the light setup you have for filming yourself at night? It's the light in your hot shoe

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Yes for sure, it is this one here www.harlowe.com/products/iris-small-continuous-led-light-for-photographers

[@Cameo540]

I have the 20mm, 50mm, 135mm f1.8’s, the 105mm macro, and kept the 35mm spot open knowing this would eventually come and given people’s opinion on the 1.8 35 I figured it would be better to wait, preordered. I would possibly look at the 85mm 1.2 at some point but for now I’d say that’s a good range.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Sounds like you have a killer lens collection! :) Cheers Matt

[@Cameo540]

@ also have the 800 pf on top of that

[@davidmurphy7847]

Might not get this lens but I do have the 85mm 1.2. The best lens I have. Stunning portraits. Great family of lenses.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Yes, that 85mm is a total winner for portraits.

[@BarisYener]

Finally, the lens to beat. For me atleast. :)

[@ongtoni]

Matt, what about focus breathing on this lens ? Thanks

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

I never saw any, and Nikon states it is suppressed. :)

[@duncanwallace7760]

Looks very nice. I cant justify any of those 1.2s, but if money were no object I'd consider getting one for sure.

[@donkenney1000]

I am curious why you don't use Nikon's NX Studio. I would assume NX Studio will get the lens profile today, simultaneously with the release of the lens.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

This video was made prior to the world wide announcement, and thus that pervious version probably is not updated for the unreleased lens at that time :)

[@71whitey]

Hi Matt. Great review...is that cafe "The Good Brother"?

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Which cafe, there is at least two in this video? :)

[@davewalker5706]

Great to see Nikon fielding the first f1.2 trinity. I am planning to get the 35 1.4 Z at the London photo show next month, 1.2 is too big and conspicuous for street/travel shooting (though I own the Plena which is the most incredible lens I've ever used and been out with me on most shoots since I got it fast approaching a year ago). I would say 2024 was rather 'light' for Nikon lens releases, so they need to be a bit more active on this front in 2025. This 35 1.2 is a good way to start, with the 28-135PZ it seems expected possibly next week.

[@jorsetti]

I likely will buy it. The weight of these premium S 1.2 lenses is not helping my decision but, I would consider indeed.

[@NikonDave]

The 35mm f/1.8S was my first Z mount lens. I'll be sad to see it go but can't wait to put this one through the paces. 105mm f/1.2S next please. :)

[@fefgam]

Thats good. Now waiting for a 20mm f1.2

[@LightTheShadows]

Fantastic lens but I learned not to buy everything from the get go. I own the 50, 85, 135mm. Had I waited some months before buying these three lenses, I could almost get this one from the savings. I was never a real fan of 35mm for my style of portraiture and I am still a bit reluctant but I know myself well enough to be sure that one day I will get one.

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

That's the boat I'm in. I'll likely get one, but I'm not in love with 35mm, so I'm in no hurry. Probably wait for the typical Black Friday Nikon deals.

[@jkp123ism]

What do you record on to your iPhone, can you record to Android as well?

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Yes I think the SSD USB-C drive from Novachips works on Android as well, if your particular phone is SSD compatible.

[@WizardOfCheese]

about time

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Prime Time :)

[@photogalleryonline]

I have the Pena and the Z50f1.4 but have been running the Sony Zeiss 35mm f1.4 on the Megatap adaptor, its a good combo, but this 35 f1.2 looks sensational! I run the Zeiss 85mm zf.2 MF also, but have just ordered the 6bit ttartisan m to z and a KF f to m as appararantly this will help with trap focus, we'll see!

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

I could easily see this on a big box cine camera. Something like a Red version of a Blackmagic 12k LF.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

We can only dream !!!!

[@margot6041]

Is your filter clear only?

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

The filter I show in this video is clear, Nikon Arcrest make other types of filters also :)

[@margot6041]

​@MattIrwinPhotography thank you!

[@ZWadePhoto]

I just heard the rumor that 2025 would a light year for releases. 35 1.2 is NOT a light year lol this is LONG awaited. As long as I’ve waited, and considering this is the only lens left I need for my genres of choice,If this is all Nikon released this year I’d be good 🙌🙌

[@bubbachua]

Nikon consistently putting out the best primes … feel like I can ditch my 24-120/24-70 zooms soon

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

I have to say, it is these primes I use the most, and I love them !!!

[@alphajam1]

So will this make the 50mm 1.2 less relevant? ....Most people would choose the 35mm if they have the 85.

[@kennygeorgeonline]

I haven't owned a Nikkor 50 since 1975, when I got my 35 f/2 and 85 f/1.8. I worked in a camera store at the time. Nobody wanted a 50 for their Nikon F2 or FTn. I'm with you!

[@ValtersPelns]

Looks very sharp and legit lens. But probably will skip this lens and stick to a 35 1.4. Not a big fan of 35mm. And I need to left some space in backpack for another 1.2s 😄

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Fair enough! Choose the focal length you love the most :)

[@carlosandreviana9448]

So happy to invest in aps-c primes and selling all my full frame ones. My back and wallet thank me This absurd size and weight was not the reason I moved to mirrorless

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

You have to look after your back for sure :)

[@simonnaughton2272]

We need some PAM the bird shots in your videos before they are all gone.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Hmm do you know where any are left?

[@simonnaughton2272]

@@MattIrwinPhotography the ones I see are all up high. eg Clifton Hill shot tower. I’m sure there are some railway ones still kicking around.

[@cy9nvs]

I know it'll be 3 leagues above that lens, but I'd still like to see how the new 1.2 compares to the 1.4 in the real world. Here in Germany, we're talking 650€ vs 3250€, that's exactly 5x the price.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

All going well I will do some testing soon :)

[@starbase218]

I don't use any protection myself. It's just the bare, round, extending, vibrating (in the case of VR)... lens, on my body. ;)